Summary Box: Copper soars to two-year high on hopes for improving demand in China

Summary Box: Copper up on hope for better demand

COPPER GLEAM: Copper prices soared to levels not seen in two years after a new report boosted hopes for improving demand in China, one of the world’s biggest consumers of the industrial metal.

DOLLAR’S IMPACT: Prices for most metals are rising largely because of a weaker dollar. Since commodities are priced in dollars, a weaker dollar makes them more attractive to foreign buyers.

OIL BOOST: Oil prices rose after the government reported inventories fell last week although supplies remained well above the five-year average.